John Elway swings at the pitch during the batting practice before the 1998 All Star Celebrity Home Run Derby at Coors Field on July 6, 1998, in Denver. (Brian Bahr, Getty Images)

Broncos’ general manager John Elway has been elected into the New York Penn League’s Hall of Fame, along with pitcher Randy Johnson and statistician Charlie Wride.

Elway is better known as a former Stanford quarterback who became the No. 1 overall pick of the Baltimore Colts in the 1983 NFL Draft and was soon traded to the Denver Broncos, where he went on to have a Pro Football Hall of Fame career.

But before earning money through football, Elway was selected in the second round of the 1981 Major League Baseball draft as a left-handed hitting outfielder for the New York Yankees. In 1982, the summer between his junior and senior seasons at Stanford, Elway played for the Oneonta Yankees of the Class A New York Penn League. He hit .318 with four homers, 25 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 45 games.

On Friday, Broncos president and CEO Joe Ellis joined The Press Box from Dove Valley to talk further about Pat Bowlen’s resignation and his continued influence on the team’s operations, the ongoing construction of the team’s new training facility and much more. What follows is a transcript of his chat with the guys on The Press Box.

ON THE ABSENCE OF FANS AT CAMP:
“I share his disappointment. It’s just not the same. We don’t have enough parking. The atmosphere is just a bit different this year. I promise it will be a terrific atmosphere next year.”

ON THE NEW TRAINING FACILITY:
“No. 1, the building was built in 1989 and was a little bit tired and needed to be refreshed. When we complete it, you’ll see it’s been refreshed. We were one of two or maybe three cold-weather cities that didn’t have their own place to practice whent he weather was inclement. We needed that. I think players notice that. They see a field house in Chicago — and it’s beautiful. Or a field house in Cleveland, or a field house in New York or New England. We have to rise the occasion and keep up with it. You have to make the players feel good about getting out of their cars when they get here in the morning.”

“One of the things we wrestled with was how many days per year you need to do use it here, because the weather in Colorado is so great. As weather gets colder, I think we’ll use it more than we realize we’ll use it. That’s my prediction.”

ON BOWLEN’S RESIGNATION:
“It was tough for everybody. Especially tough for the family — Annabel and his seven children. We had some meetings leading up to that because we wanted to do it the right way for them and for Pat. Those were tough meetings and emotional meetings. Because not only do they love their father, but they love what he did and how he did it. He can’t come through the door anymore as much. It’ll stay tough. In terms of here for the people of Dove Valley and at the stadium, a lot of them have been here for a long time because he is so kind and loyal and generous.

“The night before, I thought of people who were so close to him in the organization and needed to know before the announcement came out the next day. Steve (“Greek”) Antonopulos was the first one. He’s been here north of 37 years, and every day, Mr. Bowlen started his day, by parking in the garage, coming up through the steps and stopping by Greek’s office and chatting with him. So I called him. Greek goes to bed early because he gets here about 4 in the morning or 4:30 in the morning. I woke him up. I told him that, and he said. ‘Listen, I really appreciate you calling me. I’ll see you in the morning.’ And that morning, we went in and he looked at me, and we just lost it. We didn’t say anything. And that’s the kind of impact he had on all of us and so many people here.” Read more…

1. “(Pat) Bowlen’s legacy in Denver is far greater than those championship moments. Bowlen, for much of his tenure with the team, was a hands-on owner, and “Mr. B.” – as he was known by everyone in the building — was beloved by the players and employees who worked for him, Lindsay H. Jones wrote at USA TODAY Sports.

3. “This is a guy who was very active within the league, active within the broadcast committee, the executive committees,” Jeff Legwold wrote at ESPN.com.

4.From Frank Schwab at Yahoo Sports: “Bowlen was a fixture at Broncos practice (coach John Fox told a story about Bowlen being at every practice during Super Bowl week last season, bad New Jersey weather be damned), but almost never stopped to talk to the media about the team. That wasn’t his style. He’s a quiet person by nature, and he let his coaches and executives do their jobs. He had no interest in the spotlight or being involved with player acquisition, just winning football games.” Read more…

Matt Russell, the Broncos’ director of player personnel, talks with John Elway before the start of a game last year. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

Matt Russell, the former University of Colorado star linebacker who is now John Elway’s top deputy as Broncos director of player personnel, has begun his 6 1/2-month work release sentence at Arapahoe County Jail.

1. Can John Elway continue Denver’s winning ways?
“Three years ago, John Elway’s hiring brought questions of Denver’s intent. Would the former face of the franchise just be a figurehead? Three straight playoff appearances and a Super Bowl berth later, the answer is clear: Nope.”—Joan Niesen, MMQB

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2. Peyton Manning’s offseason rituals
“How do you reboot the game of a legendary competitor coming off the most epic disappointment of his career? This is how …”—Jeff Legwold, ESPN.com

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“3. As always, a Manning team has a shot
“But there are whispers in Denver that Seattle exposed some weaknesses in Manning’s game at this stage of his career — namely, his inability to create plays once the original play breaks down.”—Jeffrey Flanagan, Fox Sports Kansas City

5. Elway still working on deals for top weapons
“The Denver Broncos have made contract offers to star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas and will continue negotiating with both players after training camp opens July 24, Broncos general manager John Elway said Wednesday.”—Lindsay H. Jones, USA Today SportsRead more…

Dustin Colquitt, left, will be the caddy for his brother, Broncos punter Britton Colquitt, in the celebrity golf tournament. (Jeff Bayer)

Broncos training camp is just a week away, but GM John Elway, coach John Fox and punter Britton Colquitt are gearing up for a different kind of competition – on the golf course.

The Denver trio is set to play in the American Century golf tournament in Lake Tahoe later this week, a celebrity tournament to raise funds and awareness for charities. Round one of three begins Friday.

Colquitt, no novice with a driver in hand, has been questioned in the past for his lacking mini-golf skills, but with his brother and Chiefs punter, Dustin Colquitt, serving as his caddy for the tournament, Britton, a first-year participant, enters the tournament as with 10-1 odds of winning, leading the Broncos pack.

Elway, another golfing regular who finished second in the tournament in 2012, holds 12-1 odds this year, while Fox falls behind, at 100-1.

The three will have their work cut out for them in the tournament — which is usually won by baseball, football or hockey players — because this year LPGA great and Hall-of-Famer Annika Sorenstam has decided to take on the guys. Read more…

The Broncos’ media relations staff headed by Patrick Smyth and bolstered by Rebecca Villanueva and Erich Schubert was given the Pete Rozelle Award on Friday as voted on by the Pro Football Writers Association.

The honor is given to the NFL club public relations staff that consistently strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media.

“With Peyton in Denver it sort of made it the epicenter of the NFL,” said Sam Farmer, national NFL writer for the Los Angeles Times. “Is it too much to say Denver is one of the hot spots of the sports world? The Broncos’ PR staff consistently comes through when it has to be besieged with requests.”

Think of all the Broncos’ media relations staff had to deal with in 2013:

Hey, it worked out well for John Elway. Bradshaw, the former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback who was part of four Super Bowl champions and wound up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, once said Elway was “babied.” This was as Elway was about to finish his seventh NFL season with his third Super Bowl appearance.

Now, Bradshaw is directing his barbs at current Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning.

“Peyton Manning, considered the best quarterback to play the game today. Nobody would argue with that — if you like winning good during the season and losing Super Bowls, that’s your guy,” Bradshaw said during his one-man show “America’s Favorite Dumb Blonde,” via SB Nation.

Long before Seattle dropped 43 points on the Broncos in the Super Bowl, it should have been evident to all of us: Denver never had a defense capable of winning the NFL championship. Acknowledging that problem is the first step in the Broncos’ long road back to the Super Bowl. Good news: There’s no ducking the No. 1 issue by the team.—Mark Kiszla, The Denver Post

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WES WELKER STILL MOTIVATED TO WIN FIRST SUPER BOWL
After five Pro Bowls and 841 receptions, Wes Welker confronts his latest challenge, staring at a cold reality in Denver. This might not be his last chance at winning a Super Bowl — he’s 0-for-3 in the big game — but this sets up as potentially his final season in Denver. The Broncos signed free agent Emmanuel Sanders to a three-year, $15 million deal in March. They drafted Cody Latimer in the second round.—Troy E. Renck, The Denver PostRead more…

Peyton Manning, as always, was leading the way through crisp work, that had groups switching in and out and the horn blowing repeatedly to signal for the next assignment. Health brought good news as pass rusher Von Miller worked out on a limited basis, continuing to show progress from anterior cruciate ligament surgery. Chris Harris, the team’s top returning cornerback, went through agility work. >> MORE PHOTOS FROM OTAs—Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post

1. Can the Broncos put their Super Bowl embarrassment behind them? Last season was about overcoming the devastating “Flacco Fling.” Led by Manning’s daily enjoyment of details, the Broncos responded by going 13-3 to earn the No.1 AFC playoff seed for a second consecutive season, then winning two home playoff games.

This year will be about overcoming the 43-8 shellacking they received from the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.—Mike Klis, The Denver PostRead more…

BRONCOS DRAFT CB BRADLEY ROBY IN FIRST ROUND
The Broncos filled one of their greatest needs Thursday by selecting highly skilled but troubled Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby with the No. 31 pick in the first round of the NFL draft. In terms of talent, some NFL scouts believe Roby was among the best cornerbacks in this draft. He has good size (5-foot-11, 194 pounds) and is fast (4.34 seconds in the 40-yard dash). Although Broncos general manager John Elway said Chris Harris would remain the starting right corner opposite Aqib Talib, the plan is for Roby to come in on nickel situations. Roby would then play the boundary, or outside corner while Harris would move in to the nickel, or field back.— Mike Klis, The Denver Post

BRONCOS MISSED OUT ON MARQISE PLAYER
On a draft night when the theme was stopping Peyton Manning, the Broncos drafted defense when they took Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby. Was Roby the best player available? No way. Denver drafted for need. With Manning 38 years old, there is no tomorrow. The Broncos need to win the Super Bowl. Now.

If you ask me, clearly the best player available when the Broncos selected at No. 31 in the first round was Southern Cal receiver Marqise Lee, who has Pro Bowl potential.— Mark Kiszla, The Denver Post

JOHNNY MANZIEL PLUMMETS TO BROWNS AT NO. 22
What seemed like days after the Texans took pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney with the first pick of the NFL draft Thursday night, hours after the Jaguars selected quarterback Blake Bortles third overall, and minutes after the Cowboys grabbed lineman Zack Martin at No. 16, Manziel sat and sipped. Johnny Football became Johnny Free Fall. After multiple bottles of water, Manziel was taken by the Browns with the 22nd pick. They traded into that slot. “It was tough,” Manziel told the NFL Network of his 2-hour, 48-minute line to the podium. “There was a little bit of anxiousness, a little bit of nervousness. I will pour my heart out for this team.”— Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post

AFC WEST BEEFS UP DEFENSE OF PEYTON MANNING
The Raiders, benefitting from the Bills move up to fourth to snare wide receiver Sammy Watkins, selected linebacker Khalil Mack in the fifth spot. … The Kansas City Chiefs, a surprise contender last season, chose defensive end Dee Ford of Auburn. … San Diego chose a player that might have been a Bronco. Many mock drafts had Denver linked to TCU’s Jason Verrett.— Troy E. Renck, The Denver PostRead more…

C.J. Mosley of the Alabama Crimson Tide takes the stage after he was picked No. 17 overall by the Baltimore Ravens during the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on May 8, 2014 in New York City. (Elsa, Getty Images)

No disrespect to Bradley Roby. He’s a highly talented cornerback prospect. It’s just that no team waiting until the No. 31 draft pick winds up with its first choice.

The Broncos had Virginia Tech’s Kyle Fuller right there with Roby at the top of their cornerback board. But Fuller went No. 14 to the Chicago Bears. Starting with Pittsburgh’s pick at No. 15, the Broncos then tried to trade up and get Alabama middle linebacker C.J. Mosley.

But the asking price by the Steelers at No. 15, Dallas Cowboys at No. 16 and Baltimore Ravens at No. 17 were deemed too steep. The Ravens took Mosley at No. 17 and the Broncos spent the rest of the draft hoping Roby would be there.

If there’s an inside linebacker or cornerback he and the rest of his personnel staff and Broncos’ coaches love, Elway should give up two or three current and 2015 draft picks to get him.

For the first time since perhaps their Super Bowl years in the late 1990s, this Broncos draft must be about quality, not quantity.

Keep in mind, the Broncos are still backlogged from last year’s draft. They had to stash away fifth-round, pass-rushing defensive end Quanterus Smith, fifth-round receiver Tavarres King and sixth-round offensive tackle Vinston Painter last year because they didn’t have room for them on their 53-man roster. They lost King to Carolina while trying to slip him through waivers. And seventh-round quarterback Zac Dysert never got a uniform on game day.

Interested in the first team-affiliated gear fans will see their draft picks in Thursday? Here’s the New Era cap.

There has been talk of moving the NFL draft to other cities. It doesn’t fit any better than New York. The draft is a bigger production than many Broadway plays. The draft picks select walk-out music. Yes, you read that correctly. Aloe Blacc’s “The Man” will likely get some airtime. As well as “Turn Down for What.” At least that’s my prediction. And it will probably be about as accurate as my mocks.

PHOTOS: 10 WORST DRAFT PICKS IN BRONCOS HISTORY
On Tuesday, our Broncos reporter, Mike Klis, offered his 10 best draft picks in franchise history. So now it’s time for the worst 10 picks. (Calm down. Someone’s gotta be in the bottom 10.) Agree with his picks? Disagree? Let us know who you would have in your bottom 10.—Mike Klis, The Denver Post

JOHNNY MANZIEL TO JACKSONVILLE; BLAKE BORTLES TO CLEVELAND
“One NFL source close to the draftable quarterback situation said the buzz is Johnny Manziel going to Jacksonville with the Jaguars’ No. 3 overall pick. And the Cleveland Browns are taking Blake Bortles at No. 4. This scenario makes sense. The Jaguars are paying $4.5 million to veteran Chad Henne, but that’s high-end backup quarterback money. I can see Jaguars coach Gus Bradley, who was Pete Carroll’s former defensive coordinator in Seattle, building a Russell Wilson-like offense around Manziel. The Jags even have Toby Gerhart to play a poor man’s Marshawn Lynch.”— Mike Klis, The Denver Post

MANZIEL: TEAMS WILL REGRET NOT PICKING ME
On the eve of the NFL draft, Johnny Manziel said he has no idea which team will pick him but that any quarterback-needy team that passes on him will regret it. “I believe they will, personally,” he said Wednesday at a league-sponsored function in Lower Manhattan. “I know in my heart how good I want to be and how committed I am to this game.” The former Texas A&M star, projected as a possible top-10 pick, is confident he has alleviated concerns about his off-the-field habits. Clearly, though, he’s still bothered by the perception that he’s a schoolyard quarterback.— Rich Cimini, ESPN.com

John Elway said the Broncos will continue to look for the best player in the draft when their pick comes up. (John Leyba, The Denver Post)

JOHN ELWAY SAYS BRONCOS MAY TRADE UP OR DOWN
The Broncos have the 31st pick, but general manager John Elway said they would rather be picking 32. “There’s always options, he said. “We are looking at options of moving up. There’s plenty of talk. We are also looking at options at moving back.”

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TRADING UP IS STILL POSSIBLE
As the Post’s Mike Klis explains, if quarterbacks Johnny Manziel of Texas A&M and Blake Bortles of Central Florida are among the first eight picks in the draft, other projected top-10 picks at non-quarterback positions will get pushed down. And if position players start to fall, the chances of the Broncos trading up from the No. 31 slot in the first round to fill their need increase.

JOHN ELWAY ENDORSES JOHNNY MANZIEL
The Broncos are not drafting a quarterback, at least not early. But they have scouted all the quarterbacks in this 2014 NFL draft and, yes, they have discussed Johnny Manziel. John Elway likes him, Klis writes.

“You’ve got to be mentally tough and you have to have that confidence to play in this league especially a young guy, because they’re going to take their lumps,” Elway said. “And to be able to get through that – he’s got that ability. And he can make all the throws. He can move around.”

MANNING AND LETTERMAN TAKE JAB AT BELICHICK

Peyton Manning made his fourth appearance on “The Late Show” with David Letterman on Monday, and the two discussed a potential plan to sabotage field mikes to prevent ‘Omaha’ audibles — or any others — from becoming a front-page story again.

“I think I know how to fix it, Dave,” Manning said. “You have to get up there and say some really negative things about commissioner Roger Goodell. ‘Blue 20! Blue 20! Roger Goodell is a no-good you know what,’ and I think they will just kind of turn down that volume a bit.”

John Elway said Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel has the mental toughness and confidence that is needed of an NFL quarterback. (Helen H. Richardson, The Denver Post)

The Broncos are not drafting a quarterback, at least not early.

Just wanted to be clear. In fact, quarterback would have to be considered the least position of Broncos need as they have arguably the game’s best in Peyton Manning, and two young promising backups in Brock Osweiler and Zac Dysert.

Still, the Broncos have scouted all the quarterbacks in this 2014 NFL draft and, yes, they have discussed Johnny Manziel. John Elway likes him. Read more…

Von Miller, pictured with John Elway, was the highest draft pick in Broncos’ history, at No. 2 overall in 2011. (Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post)

The three-day NFL draft begins on Thursday, with the Broncos’s first selection coming at No. 31 in the first round. Here’s a look at the Broncos’ full slate of draft choices this year, and how they have fared in the past — in numbers.

Mike Klis has been with The Denver Post since 1998, after working 13 years with the Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph. Major League Baseball was Klis' initial passion. He started covering the Colorado Rockies after Coors Field was approved for construction in August 1990.

Nicki Jhabvala is the Sports Digital News Editor for The Denver Post. Before arriving in Denver, she spent five years at Sports Illustrated working primarily as its online NBA editor, and she was most recently the overnight home page editor at the New York Times. She has reported regularly on the Broncos since joining the staff.

A published author and award-winning journalist, Benjamin Hochman is a sports columnist for The Denver Post. He previously worked on the staff of the New Orleans Times-Picayune, winners of two Pulitzer Prizes for their Hurricane Katrina coverage.